Teen Top having best time of life
From left, Ricky, C.A.P, Chunji, Niel, L.Joe and Changjo pose in this promotional photo for their first official album “No. 1.” / Courtesy of T.O.P Entertainment
By Kim Ji-soo
Teen Top members are having the time of their lives.
Their latest song, “Miss Right,” with its catchy, addictive hook and easy melody, is leaping on domestic charts. The song’s equally catchy choreography has given new bounce to their signature “knife-like” group dance.
The latest shower of attention prompted by the success of the group’s full-length album “No.1” has C.A.P, 20, Chunji, 19, L. Joe, 19, Niel, 18, Ricky, 18 and Changjo, 17, relishing their time on stage.
“It’s great to be singing on stage,” said C.A.P, the group’s leader.
“These days, I am always happy,” said Niel.
“The process and preparations involved in a new performance are hard, but the moment we’re on stage, it’s thrilling,” said Chunji, in an e-mail interview with The Korea Times.
The six males who debuted in 2010 under the T.O.P Media agency have staple K-pop good looks, pleasant voices and attractive outfits. Perhaps the experience of their company founder, Andy, a member of K-pop group Shinhwa, helped. Shinhwa, also a six-piece male group, is one of the first-generation K-pop groups that debuted in 1998. In March, Shinhwa held a 15th anniversary concert in Seoul.
Since their debut, Teen Top members have demonstrated catchy moves and hook songs.
The secret to their well-knit yet powerful performance, especially their choreography is, “Twelve straight hours of practice,” Niel said.
“We really work hard,” said Chunji.
It’s a regimen that can be overwhelming for the mostly-teen group whose oldest member was 17 and the youngest, Changjo, 14, when they made their debut.
The good part about living and practicing together is that they are close in age and share similar interests. Niel and Ricky, who were child actors, like watching movies. Changjo said he enjoys shopping.
“We try to be considerate of each other. I think that’s what makes it work,” said L. Joe.
While Teen Top performs K-pop, which is mostly electronic dance, the six are also fans of hip-hop. “I love Chris Brown!,” said Niel.
The boys admit they at times succumb to the pressure of being in the public eye all the time.
“I love that so many people love us,” said C.A.P. The downside? “I don’t have a regular school life.”
“Yes. The fans are great,” said Chunji. “The downside? I have no free time.” The singers know they are fortunate to be performing when hallyu (the Korean wave) is popular, making foreign stages more accessible. Asked on the strength of K-pop
“I think there is a strong addictiveness to K-pop songs and our on-stage performances are powerful,” said Niel.
“We create a sense of playing joyfully together, while our dance moves are colorful and we can sing,” said Chunji.
They see similarities in popular music throughout Asia, however.
“The language is different but music is music everywhere,” said Changjo.
Asked to describe where they might be in five or 10 years time, their answers were almost elusive.
“Living happily,” said Chunji. “A glamorous man and an artist,” said L. Joe. “An undiminishing star,” said Ricky and “Still going strong,” said C.A.P.
Changjo had more concrete plans. “I want to shoot a movie, and do choreography.”
The group performs tonight at the Taipei Arena as one of the nine K-pop groups in M Countdown’s Nihao Concert in Taiwan. They will follow that with performances in Seoul slated for May 11 and 12, then the group will perform in Kobe on May 18 and in Tokyo on May 21-22.